Obituary published on Legacy.com by Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC - Beacon on Feb. 28, 2026.
Mary Ann Reifeiss, 87, of
Fishkill, NY passed away at her home on February 22, 2026. She was born at home in 1938 to Peter and Catherine (Clifford) Martin in Hollis, Queens. She was the second oldest of eight children, six of whom have predeceased her. She grew up in
White Plains, NY, raised her children in
Manlius, NY, eventually moving to, and retiring in, Dutchess County, NY.
Mary (Mom, Nana) married Robert F. Reifeiss, Sr. of Yonkers, NY, her love at first sight, in 1960. Robert (Bob, Dad, GrampaBob) predeceased her in 2014.
The special joys of her life were her four children, Robert Reifeiss, Jr., Maryann Reifeiss-Schreck, Elizabeth Reifeiss Krason, and Katrin Reifeiss-Helmick, and their spouses, Wendy, Richard, Daniel, and Tom. Her eight grandchildren filled her with immense happiness and pride: Hayley and Payton Reifeiss; Catherine, Hannah, and Kylie Schreck; Noah and Leah Krason; and Lukas Helmick.
Mary was an employee of JCPenney Co. for 15 years in Syracuse and
Poughkeepsie, NY. Prior to that, she was a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher for five years at St. Ann's Church in
Manlius, NY. Mary's greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren, gardening, and refreshing the walls of each of her homes with a new coat of paint. Mary loved a party. She was the best host and entertainer, always going above and beyond when it came to food and decoration, making everyone feel welcome, and well fed, who came into her home. A great sense of humor and laughter, and some dancing, could be counted on. Dancing to Frank Sinatra and doing the Lindy with her husband was a highlight for her throughout their marriage. She could debate politics with the best of them. Mary spent her later years traveling to Europe and up and down the East Coast, and relishing in the company of her children and grandchildren. Mostly, she touched so many peoples lives throughout her long life. She was selfless, always putting everyone before herself and doing her best to care for them.
Mary wanted special mention of her niece Britt for her consistent thoughtfulness and kindness. She also wanted special mention of her nephews Erik, Topher, and their spouses, her niece Kiki, and her brother-in-law Joe. Her cousins Beth and Jennifer, and her Bennett and Buchanan cousins. In addition, her friends Gloria, Sue, and Linda who she shared many good times with, and her hairdresser Karen who always made her look fabulous.
In honor of Mary's life, she asked that donations be made to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in her memory. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place in the spring.
Mary, Mom, Nana was loved to the moon and back and her presence will be incredibly missed.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.